Beginning its national tour at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta, Fourteen, based on the best-selling memoir by award-winning journalist Shannon Molloy, is the inspirational true story of growing up gay in central Queensland, transformed into a powerful must-see theatre production by nationally acclaimed Shake & Stir Theatre Co.
Shannon Molloy is a year 9 student at an all-boys rugby-mad Catholic school in regional Queensland, with a secret that no one can ever find out. Shannon is gay.
Set to a nostalgic mixtape of 90s bangers from all your faves, from Shania Twain to The Spice Girls, Fourteen addresses the trials and tribulations of growing up with honesty, humour and heart.
Equal parts uplifting and heart-wrenching, we follow Shannon in a year of self-discovery set amidst a backdrop of torment, bullying and betrayal – not just at the hands of his peers, but by the adults who were meant to protect him.
This moving coming-of-age memoir about adversity and tragedy is also a story of resilience, hope and hilarity – thanks to the love of a group of close-knit friends, a fiercely protective family, an extraordinary mother and… S Club 7.
Adapted by Nelle Lee, Nick Skubij with Shannon Molloy, Fourteen is directed by Nick Skubij, Fourteen features Conor Leach (Sequin in a Blue Room, SLAP.BANG.KISS) as Shannon Malloy. Leach is joined by an impressive cast including Leon Cain, Karen Crone, Judy Hainsworth, Ryan Hodson, Amy Ingram and Steven Rooke.
“To have the opportunity to take a story like Shannon’s and bring it to life with the phenomenal cast that we have assembled is a true joy,” said Director Nick Skubij.
“Presenting the story’s delicate and important issues with truth, fearlessness and care is what we are all about with this one – and now taking audiences across the country on this roller coaster of nostalgia is going to be a real highlight.”
So press play on your discman, lose yourself in a pumping 90s pop remix and take a technicoloured trip back to your teens. This is Fourteen.
“Utterly captivating, heart wrenching, and witty, this adaption of Shannon Molloy’s memoir was lovingly brought to life.” – Theatre Travels
Director: Nick Skubij | Featuring: Leon Cain, Karen Crone, Judy Hainsworth, Ryan Hodson, Amy Ingram, Conor Leach as Shannon Molloy, Steven Rooke | Set Designer: Josh McIntosh | Costume Designer: Fabian Holford | Lighting Designer: Trent Suidgeest | Sound Designer & Composer: Guy Webster | Choreographer: Dan Venz | Intimacy Director: Michelle Miall | Fight Director: Tim Dashwood | Creative Producer: Ross Balbuziente | Adaptors: Nelle Lee, Nick Skubij with Shannon Molloy | Writer: Shannon Molloy
Fourteen commences its national tour at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta (3 – 4 May), before playing in selected venues across Australia. For more information and touring schedule, visit: www.shakeandstir.com.au for details.
Image: Conor Leach stars in Fourteen – photo by David Fell